James Ramm among 10 Western Force players bound for NZ’s NPC

Wallabies hopeful James Ramm will play for New Zealand side Northland during the 2026 National Provincial Championship, with 10 players from the Western Force involved in the competition as part of targeted placements across the ditch. 

It was announced last month that Ramm, who has signed on with the Force after a successful stint with English side the Leicester Tigers, would wear the sky-blue kit of the Taniwha before next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.  

These 10 players set to take part in the NPC will not be available for the second edition of Super Rugby AUS, which will instead allow players from the state’s Premeir Grade competition the chance to train with the Force and potentially play minutes. 

Super Rugby veteran Sef Fa’agase has joined the Southland Stags and has been named to start at tighthead against Otago on Saturday. The front-rower hasn’t played for an NPC side in almost six years, having suited up for Otago in a defeat to Northland on November 20, 2020. 

Lopeti Faifua has commited to Tasman, Angus Farnan has signed on with North Harbour, and fly-half Alex Harfod has penned a deal with Auckland. Reuben O’Neill, Divad Palu, Marley Pearce and Joshua Smith will also take part in New Zealand’s provincial season. 

Former Australia U20 scrum-half Doug Philipson has joined the Manawatu Turbos. The halfback has been named in their 23-man squad to face Northland this weekend, providing cover off the bench for starting No. 9 Jordi Viljoen. 

“This is a targeted strategy to build our overall squad depth,” Force coach Simon Cron said. 

“There are players in our environment who didn’t get as many minutes in Super Rugby who need to be challenged both physically and mentally.  

“The NPC provides high-quality, physical match minutes in a fresh environment, ensuring these players return with greater experience and ready to push for Super Rugby selection. 

“Equally exciting is what this opens up here in Perth. With those players away during the Super Rugby AUS window, we are actively integrating top Fortescue Premier Grade talent into our environment.  

“It gives our local club players a genuine opportunity to test themselves at the next level, strengthening the connection between our WA club competition and the Force.” 

Western Force players involved in 2026 NPC 

Sef Fa’agase (Southland) 

Lopeti Faifua (Tasman) 

Angus Farnan (North Harbour) 

Alex Harford (Auckland) 

Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki) 

Divad Palu (Wellington) 

Marley Pearce (Otago)  

Doug Philipson (Manawatu*) 

James Ramm (Northland)  

Joshua Smith (Hawkes Bay) 

*train and trial